
In this tutorial we will learn how to install the Raspbian OS operating system, developed for the Raspberry Pi. Because it was developed specifically for the low cost mini computer, one of the most stable and good performing operating systems available for the device.
Its very simple installation using NOOBS on a micro SD card. The OS has native support for the main programming languages used today, such as Python, Java and Sonic Pi, which are useful for IoT project applications. Raspbian OS is a highly recommended system for beginners who are getting deeper into this new form of technology.
The official Raspberry OS has everything you need basically, as support for most peripherals and basic utilities. There are two versions of Raspbian, which we will detail below.
Necessary equipment
To install the Raspbian OS operating system, you will need to have the following items listed below
You will need all the standard pieces of equipment when it comes to using a Raspberry Pi.
Recommended
- Raspberry Pi
- Micro SD or SD card, if you are using an old version of Pi.
- Ethernet cable or Wifi dongle
- Micro SD card reader
- A Linux, Mac or Windows PC
Optional
- Raspberry Pi Case
- USB keyboard
- USB mouse
How to install Raspbian OS
Installing Raspbian is a quick and easy process, you do not have to wait long to start working on the operating system. There are two versions of Raspbian that you can choose to install, they are:
Raspbian: In this version, we have the complete form of the operating system, which is preferred by users. This edition comes with several pre-installed applications and is not difficult to use. It also comes with pre-installed desktop software.
Raspbian Lite: In the light version, as the name says, it is the lightest version of the OS and has only the basic to start. If you already have in mind what you are going to use the Raspberry for, this may be the best option, as you can install only what you really want.
In the case of Raspbian Lite, the desktop software is not pre-installed, that is, it will only be possible to use it through command lines. If you do not want the hardware to be busy processing a work area and do not need a graphical interface for your project, the Lite version will be the most suitable. In fact, a great option if you want a headless server.
1 – The first step is to download the version of Raspbian that you want to install. The links to download the operating system are on the official website of the Raspberry Pi.
2 – After downloading the file, unzip it to obtain a file in .img format.
3 – Now it will be necessary to download the necessary program to install the OS image on the micro SD card. We recommend using Etcher, which supports all platforms (Linux, Mac and Windows). To download it, just go to the developers website.
4 – After downloading Etcher, simply follow the instructions to install it.
5 – Open Etcher and select the Raspbian OS image file.

6 – Select the SD card on which you want to install Raspbian. Do not forget to check if you are copying the files to the correct location, as it will clean up what is on the SD card before transferring the operating system.

7 – After confirming the location where it will be transferred, you can proceed with the recording process until you finish it.

8 – After recording is complete, safely remove the SD card from your computer.
9 – Place the SD card in the Raspberry Pi and connect all the necessary cables in it, such as the power, the network, the HDMI, the mouse and the keyboard.
Basic Raspbian configuration
Depending on the chosen version of the Raspbian OS that you chose to install, it will be necessary to perform a basic configuration before working on the Raspberry Pi. Check below some tips on what to change.
Access the settings by going to menu -> preferences -> Raspberry Pi settings. Note that the location of some items in the menu may differ depending on the updates being made. It is possible to open a similar menu by typing the following command in the terminal:
sudo raspi-config

System
Probably the first thing you will want to do is share your Raspberry Pi file system. To do this, select the option "expand the file system". You can also find this option using the following command on the terminal:
sudo raspi-config
The default Raspberry password is the default user name "pi", meaning it is very easy to access your device. That is, it is advisable to change the password to ensure your security. To do this, simply access the systems tab. It is also possible to access via the following command in the terminal:
Passwd
If you have installed the full version of Raspbian and want to login to the command interface instead of the GUI, you can change this in the settings. To do this, simply execute the following command:
startx
It is also possible to disable automatic login if you do not want someone to use the Raspberry Pi.
If black bars appear on the screen, disable "Underscan" so that they disappear. If it doesn't work, you may need to configure your monitor.

Interfaces
It is possible to keep all interface options disabled, unless you need them. Example: If you want to connect to the Raspberry using SSH, make sure you have enabled SSH.

Performance
Here you can keep all options as it comes by default. Unless it is really necessary to perform a specific task.

Location
You will probably want to change the location settings. To do this, simply access the location menu according to the place where you live. This important configuration will be done on account of the keyboard, to make it easy to type by pressing the right keys.

Now you can start working on your Raspberry Pi or use it for entertainment purposes. See the various applications you can do with the Raspberry Pi 4 here. Also check out our tutorial on watching Netflix on the Raspberry Pi 4.
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